Colette Brunel

Tales of Symphonia

Last Updated: 01-02-2013

I used the Colette pattern in Layers magazine from a few years ago; however, it was very, very long on me (past my knees!) So, I ended up modifying the pattern quite a bit to fit me. I used white cotton sateen, some blue symphony broadcloth for the bottom and the applique, and deft blue bias tape. There's a zipper in the front and some snaps to make sure everything lays on top of each other correctly. The costume is also fully lined.

I did resin casting the first time to make the cruxis crystal, and it turned out well! (The third time, that is.) I backed it with some red wrapping paper because I didn't like the way the gold behind it messed with the red, as I used transparent dye. The necklace is made out of craft foam that I painted gold and shaped with heat. There are hooks in the back.

The wings were the most difficult part of this costume. I used 12-gauge pink floral wire for the structure. I sewed pink organza around the wires and painted the ends of the wings purple. I also threw on some glitter for good measure, but it doesn't show up in pictures very well unless you're very close. The wings attach to the costume with velcro and safety pins. It's not a very high-quality method, but it'll do.

I have a lot of feelings for Colette because she's one of my favorite characters in all of Tales because she's so kind and forgiving (things that I lack at times), and I love how much she grew as a character. I wanted to cry when she finally realized that sacrificing yourself to save others isn't okay -- you can find out how to help others without hurting yourself.